Need Help With Quitting Smoking Habit?
I have been smoking for about 10 years now, but I really want to quit. My doctor has told me that my sleep apnea is probably caused from smoking. I am very tired in the due due to the apnea. I have tried to quit before, but it is very difficult for me. Does anyone know any good tips to help me quit?
Chantix works very well. Also, for the more immediate nicotine cravings, nicotine gum is good. Or, if you don’t want that, and just want to satisfy the oral fixation, popsicles are great!
Hi there I might be able to help you.
I hate to admit I have been smoking for much longer……30 years. July 11th two months ago I was admitted into the hospital for four days because I was diagnosed with pneumonia a side effect of problems caused by a decreased immune system. Nevertheless, smoking was not allowed anywhere at this hospital including outside. I was forced to quit cold turkey. A few weeks prior to being hospitalized I had started eating ice popsicles, the ones that come in the plastic sleeves, not the cream popsicles. They soothed my throat.
I continue to eat the popicles every day but less now than 2 months ago.
I have tried to stop in the past but I never lasted more than 18 months. It was the weight gain that caused me the most anxiety! I was a graduate of Weight Watchers and the thought of being overweight again terrified me. I was not a jolly overweight person quite the opposite! I was a bear to live with!! The grief I was causing my family gave me the excuse I needed to start smoking again. The last time I tried to stop was about 15 years ago, I became so grouchy that my husband bought me a pack of cigarettes and said to me: “It appears you have tried to stop for the wrong reasons, I think that is why it is so difficult for you. So, try again another time and for now just be happy!” He was 100% correct!
I think the key to successfully stopping the habit is to stay away from or avoid doing things that you consistently did along with smoking at least until the cravings haved subsided. Example: When I wake up in the morning which is the hardest time for me and the time I want a cig the most so I replaced the cig with popsicles along with my morning coffee! Sometimes, it takes up to 4 popsicles (water based not milk) for me to wake up you may prefer celery, anything that can distracts you from smoking.
I think it’s important to replace the cig. habit by changing your daily routine so that smoking isn’t missed or noticed as much.
The computer was another tough spot because I noticed that I automatically reached for my cigs. At first, I couldn’t be on the computer very long the craving for a cig. was too much to handle so I had no choice but to limit my time or step away from my computer when the cravings became too much for me.
My husband stopped smoking over 20 years ago his motivation was he wasn’t feeling well and thought that the cigs. were contributing to his not feeling well. He changed his wake up routine by taking a shower as he got out of bed and then the shower became his first activity upon awakening instead of coffee and cigs., the shower also helped speed up waking up fully. Another worst craving time frame for me was after eating. So, I had to change that period of time that I used to smoke and do something else, I now immediately after eating get up and start cleaning the kitchen.
I also stopped watching TV because I always smoked during that time, now instead I do housework. I haven’t missed the TV as much as the cigs! (^-^) And I haven’t gained the weight I did in the past when I had stopped smoking.
I read somewhere that a smoker when trying to stop smoking should say when asked “I have stopped smoking”, instead of “I have quit smoking” because it affords you of the opportunity to have some control on a daily basis and then the focus is today, not 10 years from now. I hope that makes sense. Or maybe it is less painful commitment?
In hindsight I wish I had kept a journal or kept track on paper how many times I craved cigs. a day. By doing this way I would have been able to see the progress I had made visually as the cravings became less daily/weekly, etc. even hourly at first!
Keep a posiitive outlook, pat yourself on your back often! I still crave cigs but it isn’t as hard as at first. My house and clothes smell better but the most significant aspect for me is that I can now rejoin society by being able to do and go places I haven’t been comfortable doing in the past as a smoker.
Even though two months has passed, I still can’t say for certain that I will not smoke again but for today I am happy not smoking! (^-^)
A quote that I have memorized and enjoy sharing is: “Every mistake is another opportunity for success!”
I wish you the best in your pursuits and much happiness!
Most sincerely,
JJ
Get some support – and also educate yourself daily on the side effects of smoking….and the effects it has on others around you.
See this page on smoking…http://www.building-your-green-home.com/…
Nutitional support is so important when trying to quit. See this site for help:http://www.hacres.com
Hang in there, and I hope this was helpful.
I quit smoking butts last december. Used the patch works well if your serious about quiting. I smoked for over 18 years.
Good luck